Understanding Your Electricity Bill

The Structure of Your Electricity Bill

Your electricity bill may seem complex at first glance, but it breaks down into three main parts: energy supply, transmission (network taxes), and taxes and contributions. Understanding each element allows you to better manage your budget. For more on energy in France, explore our guides.

The Subscription

The subscription is the fixed part of your bill, independent of your consumption. Its amount depends on two main factors:

Subscribed Power: Expressed in kVA (kilovolt-amperes), it determines the maximum amount of electricity you can use simultaneously. The most common power levels for individuals are 6, 9, or 12 kVA.

Tariff Option: Base (single kWh price), Off-Peak/Peak Hours (two prices depending on time), or special options like Tempo (red, white, blue days).

Consumption

This is the variable part of your bill, calculated by multiplying the number of kWh consumed by the unit price per kWh.

Base Option: A single kWh price applies regardless of consumption time.

Off-Peak/Peak Hours Option: Two different prices apply. Off-peak hours (generally 8 hours per day, often at night) benefit from a reduced rate.

Taxes and Contributions

Several taxes are added to the electricity price:

**Electricity Excise Tax** (formerly TICFE/CSPE): Internal tax on final electricity consumption. It notably finances renewable energies and tariff equalization.

**CTA** (Transmission Tariff Contribution): It finances the pensions of electrical and gas industry agents.

VAT: Two rates apply - 5.5% on subscription and CTA, 20% on the rest.

Reading Indices and Estimates

Bill Based on Actual Reading

If your bill is based on a meter reading (by a technician or via Linky), it reflects your exact consumption for the period. The ending index minus the starting index gives your consumption in kWh.

Estimated Bill

In the absence of a reading, your consumption is estimated based on your history. An adjustment occurs at the next actual reading, which may result in a higher bill or a refund.

The Linky Meter

With the communicating Linky meter, indices are read automatically and remotely. Your bills are thus based on your actual consumption, without estimates or adjustments.

Additional Information

The PDL Number (Delivery Point)

This 14-digit number uniquely identifies your electricity meter. It is essential for any supplier change or move.

Power Reached

On Linky bills, you can see the maximum power reached during the period. If it regularly exceeds your subscribed power (without tripping the circuit breaker), you could optimize by adjusting your subscription.

Consumption History

Most bills include a graph comparing your current consumption to that of the previous year. It's a good indicator for detecting anomalies or measuring your savings efforts.

Verifying and Disputing Your Bill

Points of Vigilance

Check that the indices correspond to those on your meter
Compare the kWh price to that in your contract
Ensure the tariff option is correct
Check the billed power

In Case of Error

First contact your supplier's customer service. If the disagreement persists, you can contact the National Energy Mediator, a free and independent public service.

Conclusion

A well-understood electricity bill is the first step toward better consumption management. Don't hesitate to track your consumption regularly, particularly through your supplier's customer portal or the Enedis app for Linky meters.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes. Tax and contribution amounts change regularly.